"Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself."- John Dewey.
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Friday, November 11, 2005

Foreigner as VC of local varsity?

Bernama, the NST and the Star all featured the announcement by the Minister of Higher Education, Shafie Salleh, that his ministry would set up a search committee in the appointment of future VCs in our local varsities. Looks like the pressure that has been generated online and offline have forced the ministry to respond, albeit in a rather limited way.

“Overseas, the appointments of vice-chancellors are largely based on their leadership abilities as well as academic prowess. Now that we are practising meritocracy, we should select the best candidate for the job,” he said, citing the recent decision by the University of Manchester in Britain to select an Australian as its vice-chancellor.

It is interesting to note that it was blogged here that two other recently appointed VCs in Oxford and Cambridge also had foreign connections. One is a New Zealander (Oxford) and the other (Cambridge) is a British born academic who has spent much of her professional life in the US.

Should one of our local varsities, let's say UM, appoint a foreign VC? Or should we look inwards first for a suitably qualified local academic who has both academic prestige as well as administrative experience?

There will be a not insignificant number of people who would cry out for the appointment of a non-Malay to the VC position since no non-Malay currently occupies that post in any one of our local varsities. While I think that this would be a great symbolic gesture on the part of the government, I think there are substantive and practical reasons as to why this might not necessarily be a good idea. I also want to put forth some arguments on why I think a foreign VC might be in a better position to do a better job than a local. I know that my arguments will tick off many people but hey, that's what discussions are for, right? No point us agreeing to everything.

Firstly, I don't think that just because a non-Malay is picked means that he or she is the best person to do the job. If he or she is firmly entrenched as part of the 'system', it is equally unlikely that he or she will have the courage and desire to overhaul and reform the sad state that our local varsities are in right now.

Secondly, we have to acknowledge the reality that our local varsities operate in a predominantly Malay dominant environment. Any move to reform the system can be misinterpreted and misused as an attack by a non-Malay VC on Malay 'values' and 'sensitivities'. For example, a move to examine the tenure system in UM might lead to accusations that a non-Malay VC is trying to 'roll back' the gains of the NEP and reduce the number of Malay professors or associate professors. Unless we can operate in an environment where the race of the VC will not be used against him or her, I suspect that a non-Malay VC will have little chance of implementing real reform.

Of course, the retort might be that a non-Malay who has the respect of the Malay academics and staff in a place like the UM but who also has the desire to reform the system might be the best person for the VC position. Someone like Prof Khoo Khay Kim comes to mind. But academics like Prof Khoo are few and far between and they might be so far advanced in their career that a demanding, stressful and politically sensitive position like the VC would probably not interest them.

A foreign VC has the following advantages. He or she will come in presumably with a fresh mandate to shake things up, perhaps even a mandate coming from the PM. He or she would also presumably not be in it for the long haul but instead be signed to a shorter termed contract. This will provide the incentives for the foreign VC to leave a legacy and to accomplish the set out objectives sooner rather than later.

A foreign VC would also be able to bring in best practices from overseas and hopefully also experience from a renowned university. It is difficult for a local academic - Malay or non-Malay- who has been 'entrenched' in our local system to implement new things, especially things which he or she has never experienced before in a university setting.

We also have to recognize the reality that often, we instinctively 'trust' a foreign (read: Western) face more than a local face. While I don't agree with this mindset (since many Western professionals come to work in the East because they can't 'make it' in the developed countries), I cannot deny the fact that this foreign 'premium' so to speak, decreases the resistance to reform, especially if the foreigner is well qualified and knows what he or she is doing.

In addition, a foreign VC would not face accusations of the racial type. He or she might be accused of being insensitive to local 'culture', a realm which has got to be tread with care, but it is unlikely that he or she would have to fight fires the same way that a non-Malay VC might have to. Furthermore, as a foreigner, he or she will be given the benefit of the doubt, initially at least.

Finally, a foreign VC who's here for a short-term contract doesn't have to worry about 'pissing' people off the same way that a local would have to since the local presumably would want to have a career after stepping down as VC. If you want real reform, sometimes you need someone who is willing to take risks and shake the system up. A foreign VC who is well qualified, brings experience from abroad and who understands the mandate for change would arguably do a better job than a local VC.

35 comments:

In my humble opinion, I still believe that there are number of great academician Malays who are capable leaders and visionary. It is better to stick to a Malay VC rather than a foreigner who would not be brave enough to change. Change management do require the new VC to fully understand our Malaysian culture and plural society and also to take into consideration the political perspective. Changing for the better can also mean getting worse if deriving quality at the expense of harmony. We can win all but it would be insidious to forsake peace and tranquility in exchange of meritocracy. Any effective change must be gradual and sensitive to the cultural and political expectations and perceptions.

With due respect to all intellects, we must look into the issue in totality and with a long-term benefit. Social integrity and national aspiration must be given priority.

I am in support of change, but it would be fruitful if the system would appoint a VC who is Malay and who is visionary and passionate to do the right thing. The important aspect of the visionary VC is his passion for excellence and he must be honest and fair (without any form of bias towards races and religion and the minorities).

It is true NEP has its good and its bad points depending on whose view you are looking at it.

The non-bumi has been straddled with this law for a long time and I can see lots of dissatisfaction emerging from their rank. This can be seen by the ever-increasing number of emigration taking place as well as non-returning students from abroad.

I cannot start to call them traitors, as some of the bumis here seem to imply on them. Put yourself in their shoe first and feel the full effect of the discrimination for over 30 years……….Do you think you will be happy? Anybody?

Want to know why the so call non-bumis are all running away from Malaysia for greener pasture as bumis call traitors and rats? Know that even rats must be wise to jump ship when the ship is sinking.

The government has been pushing the unity theme for Malaysia for a long time - The so-called Bangsa Malaysia. How do you unite people? How are you going to unite people of different races where one race enjoys more rights than other races? Unity can never happen if there is inequality.

So, if you don't want people to comment on your special rights, then don't talk about unity in front of the non-bumis.

The next reason why the non-bumis keep on condemning the special rights is because of the implementation of it. Does every bumi has the chance to enjoy their special rights? From what non-bumis have been seeing since the past till now, only the rich and powerful are enjoying it. The poor bumis are still poor. How many poor bumis were transformed from poverty to middle class?

Sure, what you talk about your experience might be true if you put it in a nutshell. You cite examples of success cases and stories which is what it should be. But don't use special rights to deny a fellow deserving Malaysian of that chance too.

If you don't trust your fellow countrymen, whom in the world are you going to put your faith into?

The reasons have been given, countless in fact. And I believe you can also see it for yourself what kind of state Malaysia is in now. No unity, no improvement in the competitiveness in Malaysia.

I believe no community will get stronger if it depends on protection all the time. In face of globalization, each one must pull its own weight but work as a team. Otherwise we go down together.

Even when we were children we were taught the strength of sticking together. Ultimately, we probably won't affect policy much. But it will satisfy me to know, someone reading this, will accept my argument. If only one person reads this and is willing to change their way of thinking, then I have succeeded.

Because they will then carry that idea to the next person.

Like myself, I will seriously wish that my future children would not have to endure the same pain as I did. The system hasn't changed much in the past (even if they do change, the change usually isn't beneficial to non-bumis), and as I can foresee, the system won't change much in the future too.

I know things cannot be as ideal as everyone would wish. We all are persevering. Nevertheless, when there is a better opportunity worthwhile to pursue, we will go for it.

Because they will then carry that idea to the next person.

Like myself, I will seriously wish that my future children would not have to endure the same pain as I did. The system hasn't changed much in the past (even if they do change, the change usually isn't beneficial to non-bumis), and as I can foresee, the system won't change much in the future too.

I know things cannot be as ideal as everyone would wish. We all are persevering. Nevertheless, when there is a better opportunity worthwhile to pursue, we will go for it.

for sure people here especially malay like to see change but bad example just next our border s'pore. Is the malay there enjoy same as so call success people overthere ? Are they lazy or they have to fight with people who born in so call success already ? To change need few generations not just one generation ..... There is only minor people in Malay society really rich and sorry ,dig history and you'll find the word " only malay can tell when they need no protection "

First of all, are we (the non-bumis, that is) really to believe that the government will abolish or tone down the New Economic Policy in the near future? We must be realistic, if you have the right to buy a property at a discount and have scholarships for your children, would you let go of these rights?

With Chinese population dwindling in Malaysia, what needs to be done depends on the Chinese themselves.

There is nothing wrong with the brain drain. In fact, we should encourage our children to move to Singapore, Taiwan, China etc. if we disagree with Malaysian government policies that are based on race and religion.

When it comes to the matter of the dwindling number of Chinese Malaysians, we should talk about quality, not quantity.

We should resolve why the Chinese-Malaysian population is reducing. Official figures have more than one million Chinese Malaysians emigrating over the past 25 years. Why did they emigrate? I am sure the government knows.

Straight A students can't get scholarships or university places. Nothing new, it is been that way for the past 35 years. Nowadays, even enlightened malay Malaysians are speaking up on this injustice. The MCA and Gerakan? Busy making money from private colleges.

What is so great about having TAR College or Utar which took more than 35 years of begging? Why should it be so difficult to set up an independent university when we have scores of public ones?

While we push young talented people away, other countries notably Singapore, the US and Australia welcome them with open arms.

Is it logical that we drive away our young talented ones and then invite retired Mat Sallehs to live here and exploit our low-cost of living?

Singapore's success in particular owes much to these ex-Malaysians or their descendants including Hon Sui Sen, Goh Keng Swee, Goh Chok Tong, just to name a few.

About 30 percent of top management in both Singapore's government and corporate sector are ex-Malaysians. We export them so that Singapore can compete with, and then whack us.

Korea and Taiwan, both way behind us in the 70s and 80s are now way ahead. Thailand is breathing down our necks.

A lot of important things and ideas have been raised here. But how are these ideas being communicated to the masses?! Can we figure this out?

Most of them don't read this blog, and even if they do, the comments here are so longwinded and seemingly high-browed, they won't bother. They will go to humor sites like kennysia.com instead to laugh away all the crap we are forced to deal with.

Well kian ming, i personally agree with your point on appointing a foreigner as a VC. It is not because we are lack of suitable candidate (leave out the race at the moment) but whoever on that post will be on extreme dilemma and stress, trying to satisfy everyone (politically and academically). A foreigner, i pressume, without a "well" understanding of Malaysian "culture" will no doubt performed better than a locally appointed VC.I would rather go for a foreigner as a VC than spending taxpayers' money on appointing a foreign consultant firm to conduct an "investigation" on why USM and UM's ranking in THES drop significantly.

Hey, wake up, it’s utterly naive to think that by replacing the VC of a local university with a brilliant bumi, non-bumi, or foreign chap will lead the university to glory path.The sad truth is that at this moment all our public universities are in such a bad shape (e.g., operating in a repressive atmosphere with constant political interference and racial bias; populated with too many under qualified and under performing people as academics and administrators who think they are brilliant; promoted many undeserving academics to high positions that should be filled by capable people of passion and vision to lead a university to academic excellence; retained lousy academics but did not retain many excellent academics; unaccountability, nontransparency, nepotism, cronyism, racism, and maybe even corruption; etc.) that even if we hire Nobel Laureates to be their VCs will not ensure academic excellence.My dear friends, we have to thank our BN government and its educational policies over the last 30 years that lead to all our public universities to be what they are today! In fact, don’t kid ourselves with all the self-deceiving nice or ‘syiok-sendiri’ slogans (gembilang, terbilang, boleh, etc) – all our public universities are already on the slippery slope of self-destruction and academic mediocrity. Wait till we see the 2006 THES rankings!The solution to achieving academic excellence in our public universities is an enormous task – nothing short of brutally overhauling the entire current national education system! Is the government prepared to face the truth and to do this?On a related issue of 60000 unemployed (unemployable?) graduates, may I respectfully suggest to all our public universities to offer some new compulsory university core courses to all their undergraduates: various foreign language courses, domestic help course, construction course, plantation course, and driving course – so that their graduates at least have the necessary skills to have the option to work in Malaysia or other countries as domestic helps, construction workers, plantation workers, and taxi or bus drivers. Think of Indonesia, India, Pakistan, and the Philippines, and also think of the foreign exchange that our graduates would contribute to Malaysia.

Excellent blog although I still believe we do have local scholars who can do well as VCs. I am very concerned about our education system and intend to contribute towards its improvement. Please find my discussion on this issue at http://authenticgeek.blogspot.com/2005/11/authenticgeek-university-what-it-is.html

It is very sad to see discussions of this nature always lead into race. With all due respect, the people here try to discuss things fairly but I can't help but seeing the thin veneer of subconscious racism behind it. As a young person from Malaysia, it has been full circle for me, seeing the effects of what 40 years of history has on us Malaysians. I shake my head...Can't help but to feel disgusted, really.

after all is said, nothing will change if politics is not seperated from education.whoever is the VC, he/she needs to have the freedom to do whatever is necessary. i think is time we malaysian stop thinking of how to get ahead of another race, the priority now is to compete with the rest of the world.

I applaud on what malaysia no future and what cool hero said. They are presenting the real problems in Malaysia. I think any of you who say Malaysia could not be that bad is either in denial,,you are in delusions or you are just got benefits from the goverment.

The Malays who are spending on your tax money on scholarships are not as deserving as they think they are. Why should they be deserved to be given that much when they dont deserve it. The percentage of Malays getting the scholarships are high. Very high. These are the so called future generation of Malaysia who thrived in mediorcrity and racism and being rewarded for it.

One of you mentioned that you dont see Malays staying oversea. You are right. So far I dont see any too. Most of them would want to go back. Because like you said, they realised they cannot be useful enough to stay. They know they have to be unfair to win. They know they need the goverment to be behind them all the time to ensure their survival. So that is why most of these incompetence choose to go back.

But the situation is going to be even worse because in 10 years time down the road. The local unis churning out substandards people and the unemployment rate is going to go higher and higher and higher. Private sectors and investors from outside would not want people like them. They would just take in enough to fill the spot of their so called quotas that the goverment put them in.

That is why you see IT industry so popular but ironically employers prefer Indians from India or people from oversea. They would even go for expats because they know those are the competent people that can work. So in years to come, the economy is going down because people in UMNO and UMNO youth reward mediorcrity and based on race. The scary thing is they are proud of it too and think they are doing it right and can help Malaysia. Man that is scary.

Also about the political sentiment they use, if you are patriotic give more to your country. My reponse is, the country hasnt given me anything why should I give to you o Malaysia. My friends once told me, I would rather to be treated as second class citizens in other country like US or UK than to be treated as second class citizens in Malaysia. At the very least, your voice is heard than in Malaysia where every good reasons falls on death ear. So if any of you Malay politicians ask me to get out, provide me with the PR of USA and I am on my way.

So if the current PM want to make things right, he must not be afraid to put someone on the chopping block. He should things with integrity not rewarding people because they are cronies. By doing this, you are sending messages that you encourage things to be done this way. So no wonder corruptions prevail and tonnes of incompetent people get to sit in the thrones of power. So there is literally no common sense involved except for the sake of covering their own ass.

So it is really sickening to hear them praising about progressive society while the foundations of real civilization arent there.

I’m a student currently pursuing an engineering degree in Australia. My parents told me that upon completion of my degree I’m not allowed to come back home. To quote my parents, “I’ll chop your legs off if you do”.

My parents are working hard to equip all four of us with internationally recognized degrees in hopes that we would settle down overseas. My sister is currently studying in UK while my brother will join me next year in Australia.

It’s hard but it’s my parents’ are determined that all their kids should settle down overseas. Kindda makes you think if it is really bad down there right. My dad often says that there is a level to how much you can progress in your career here (Malaysia). There comes a point you have reached it and you still can’t go further.

My close friend is a Malay studying here on a Petronas scholarship. A beautiful individual yet I cannot seem to tame my red monster when I see how much she is provided with. An accommodation very close to Uni with all the perks that most of us have to go without, all paid for by the scholarship of course. Even her dinner meals are provided. On top of everything she’s provided with pocket money which is far more than what she needs. She’s living THE life (I mean she doesn’t even need to cook for herself).

The thing is, I see far more people with qualifications higher than hers struggling to cope with study and work to help their parents support them overseas. All in the name of a good education. To top it off, out of the whole group of students with scholarships, quite a number of them are failing their subjects (which one would conclude never did deserve the scholarship anyway).

So where does this leave us? If you’re looking for a silver lining, it’s there. You become a much better person in life when you work hard to achieve your goals rather than having it handed to you on a golden plate. It gives you a whole different perspective of life. But that doesn’t stop us from gritting our teeth of the unfairness of the education system. But yet again here’s another silver lining. Thank god I was not “qualified” for a place in the local university, I’d take the top 80 Uni over the top 200 anytime.

I have one advise for you Poorni, you want to beat her scholarship, go for grad school and earn the funding from the university. Then you will really know what reward is. The Malay scholarship holders are taking things for granted. They are paid insanely a lot all around the world as scholars. But look at it this way, that is the end of their career. Well not career, job, where you wake up day and night forcing yourself to the job you hate.

So dont get discouraged when you see them living THE LIFE. Envious is good, that makes you strive for excellence even more and more trying to beat them. What your father said somewhat make sense. He wants his child to get something more than just getting stuck in Malaysia. Since even the lowest pay, in Australia will overtake the pay in Malaysia, easilly. If you dont believe me, ask a grad student how much they are paid a month with their fees waived. I am sure that is a new goal you should set yourself to work on. So carry on, dont despair, and dont give up.

I am interested if you could just give me examples what do you mean by "chinese ask more and more..."

And "more and more of what ??"

Could you be specific...

How do you justisfy/explain that a Malaysian who sits STPM -- an official Malaysian pre-university exam, scored all A's, become the best STPM candidate in the year and still cannot get his first choice of entering into University Malaysa medicine ???

I ask again : How you ask people with grow in so call "not modern " by some people and been educate with probably highest STPM teacher to compete with people live in so call "modern " world and been feed with very good education to fight in same world university ?

About ask more : Go and look what history did to generation from SRJK , not good in english also malay but fluent in Mandarin ? in here Malaysia ?

New paper advertise " Mandarin speak is advantage " , so this is what you want ??

It's sad that a discussion about education lead to racism. It is even sad because I'm studying in UM which is filled with racism and favouritism.

The Dean from the faculty of education and some of the lecturers from the Science & Mathematics and Management departments are known for their biasness when it comes to grading. However the Indian and Chinese students always keep this problem to themselves to avoid problems that might jeopardise their future in this university. More and more good lecturers are leaving the university. We are left with incompetent lecturers who spent most of their time hanging out, drinking and smoking at the cafe. I believe favouritism exists in the faculty of education because the head of educational management department is only a master graduate. He is not well-versed in English but have lecturers who are phd graduates reporting under him.

With the studying environment I'm in, I doubt UM is worth the position they are having right now.

I dont really get 100% what you mean, but I will try to answer anyway.

Regarding your first concern:

I feel we need to know the definition of a national university. It does not belong to you or me. It is a public institution.

((The definition of public goods is spelt in the field of public economics))

Therefore on the most fundamental level or on principle, the entrance system must be fair, open and clean to all candidates.

Have you read the news that Thai media criticized Thaksin because Chulalongkorn University admitted Thaksin's youngest daughter on some 'suspected' special ground ????

Thai media have the right to criticize because Chulalongkorn University is a public institution.

http://www.asiamedia.ucla.edu/article.asp?parentid=10803

It would not be question if she enters a private university, nobody would say a word.

As I have said yesterday, UM is a public institution.

What do you feel, if you get all A's in STPM and now you are stuyding in Universiti Sumatra Utara (USU) because you dont get a place to do medicine in Universiti Malaya ?

Come on.... Can we imagine that??

Universities are set up to admit the most qualifying students/applicants. Period.

That's how instutions like Harvard, MIT, Tokyo University or NUS still stand tall after 100 years of history ??

Having said that, as Malaysian brothers, we are not totally disregard the welfare of rural students whom may have unlevel playing fields. Let's say 20% of seats are reserved for such privilege students.

The rest 80% are for open competition for all Malaysians.

How about that ?

P.S. For your second concern, I am not concern whether they (the SRJK graduates) are fluent in Malay/English or not . Obvioulsy they have to work harder.to improve themselves.

Do you think medical doctor with excellent Phd and whatsoever , want to accept people with no money from kampong or low income people in his clinic ? shit how do I charge this people !! Who get the benefit when government practice to private government own company and at the end it prove wrong decision ...

We can't sacrifice majority poor in kampong and low income people by only fullfill small need.At the end the doctor will migrant to oversea where people can pay him well. And we start we excuse say this country suck,not appreciate their expertise and list go on.....

There is still 80% malay in rural area + almost 90% bumi in Sabah and Sarawak still have to pay premium what been set up by people who have money in cities.Do they have choice ?Obviously no so who going to protect them ? Just let them die.....

"Do you think medical doctor with excellent Phd and whatsoever , want to accept people with no money from kampong or low income people in his clinic ? shit how do I charge this people !! Who get the benefit when government practice to private government own company and at the end it prove wrong decision ..."

Isnt this proof where the goverment actually fail to help the needy? Poverty? etc etc? You are starting to contradict yourself.So far what the goverment doing is exploiting the wealth all to themselves. Hence the term corruption. You said it yourself most of the people in rural area are still poor. Err isnt education a one way ticket to succeed? What I mean is, quality education? Not Malays who have mediorcre standards and still get a living like a king scholarship oversea.

Do I think excellent PhD want to accept people with no money into his clinic? Hmm good question. PhD is not MD by the way. So get your term straight. If they are willing to pay for better doctors with less red tapes in the public hospital. REMEMBER PUBLIC. You seems to have a knack of confusing that word Azlan. Then the poor people can come in. Again is the goverment's fault.

Does that answer your questions? You have more feel free to post, we all can answer you to your hearts content on the realities of Malaysia.

PS: Honestly I think the goverment is doing a bad job in helping the poor. Otherwise the 80% and 90% of what you claimed would have gone way down after NEP is implemented. IE, that was the so called grand scheme since Tunku Abdul Rahman's time. I dont know who did what wrong down the road but it sure as hell it didnt get implemented well as Mr. Azlan claimed to be.

By keep blame somebody or government won't help.Do you think meritocracy will help ? or is it all about capatalism ? Rich become richer and poor remain poor ? Who hold economy here ?

We can't let community with strong ground step on fragile ground.

There is somebody said , there is no need for protection if Chinese willing to share their wealth with others but history already told it different.People already have to fight which people already hundred years put their root in Yap Ah Loy city.

I tell you one example : Go to simple workshop : instead of pick up malay which have certificate with Mara,IKM, so on, people rather pick their root with none , you want to deny this ? So,where they go except government ?

Again instead of paying local ,most company here which you know belong to which community pay Bangladesh and Indonesian ? simple reason Malay is lazy ? Are they really lazy or others just work like crazy to make money as much as they can, forgot about quality of happy life ?

S'pore already worry about Malay in their Air Force can't become pilot, don't you think that Chinese country ridiculious ? Do you think malay will let what happen in S'pore to be happen here ?

One of my friend in Austarlia ask me how Temasek where it part of Kepulauan Melayu become Chinese country ? Why Chinese do that ?

Is Chinese here worry if Malay become power in economy, do you think we will kick you out ? History never tell that ....

Chinese no matter how like to do businees : I thought business will be better when both customer and supplier are rich !! So, why worry if malay become rich ?

"Do you think meritocracy will help ? or is it all about capatalism ? Rich become richer and poor remain poor ? Who hold economy here ?"

Ok you think meritocracy wont help. Hmm, I can give you many examples where it helps. Many country do better when they compete. This is basic econs and common sense where competition increase quality and competency. UM certainly isnt rewarding people based on merits. See where it got them. Into a bowl of hot soup that is.

"We can't let community with strong ground step on fragile ground."

I have absolutely no idea what point you are trying to make here.

"I tell you one example : Go to simple workshop : instead of pick up malay which have certificate with Mara,IKM, so on, people rather pick their root with none , you want to deny this ? So,where they go except government ?"

So they question here is, why start fostering lower quality people to begin with? Why encourage mediorcrity to begin with? Why spend money on something that doesnt make sense to begin with? That is why private sector refuse to take in people like them. Reason is simple, they are not up to it and they wont work for it.

"Again instead of paying local ,most company here which you know belong to which community pay Bangladesh and Indonesian ? simple reason Malay is lazy ? Are they really lazy or others just work like crazy to make money as much as they can, forgot about quality of happy life ?"

Happy quality life you say? Hmm if you are being lazy you dont deserve to be rewarded. Common sense right? Also you mentioned others work like crazy while they forgot to enjoy quality life, errr, you are not making any sense, being a workaholic doesnt mean that you forgot about quality life. It is because you have a passion about your job or you have a higher goal and callings to answer for. By the end of the day, you reap what you sow, no?

"S'pore already worry about Malay in their Air Force can't become pilot, don't you think that Chinese country ridiculious ? Do you think malay will let what happen in S'pore to be happen here ?"

I dont understand the jist of your arguement here, so I will let others try to decipher it and answer it.

"One of my friend in Austarlia ask me how Temasek where it part of Kepulauan Melayu become Chinese country ? Why Chinese do that ?Is Chinese here worry if Malay become power in economy, do you think we will kick you out ? History never tell that ..."

As Madeliene Albright said, "History is lived forward and written backward" Both country has different versions of history if you do more research you will find out. But my history teacher in Malaysia did mentioned Singapore was kicked out by the way. For your info he is a Malay too, just in case you said he is a Chinese.

"Chinese no matter how like to do businees : I thought business will be better when both customer and supplier are rich !! So, why worry if malay become rich ?"

Being rich is not the problem, but the manner of getting rich is where the line must be drawn. Well, doesnt the word corruption ring the bell? What about greed? You think a police commisioner working in Malaysia has 10 million dollars is to be expected? Your previous comments saying that many Malays are still poor while only some get rich. Well the Malays should ask their politicians, where has the riches gone to. We used to have so much minerals and raw products but now, the time has gone eventually all these will pass. Who do you think are involved? Member of audience who are reading this, who are involved?

Also where has all the wealth and money where they are supposedly to be distributed to the Malay to become rich has gone to. Chinese bussinessman do like rich Malay. So we are not worried of you becoming rich but we are paranoid of you becoming corrupt and start doing 'daylight robbery'.

Imagine our prime minister lecturing on the real facts of peace and unity in Malaysia.

"We (government) do not practise meritocracy and social fairness. We practise discrimination and racism in our education system, housing allocation and discount, jobs, university entry. We extort and blackmail non-bumis through Approved Permits and shares equity. We dish out handouts to bumis, etc. That is how we achieve peace and unity."

The only reason why there is peace and unity is because the non-bumis are tolerant, progressive, peace, moderate, magnanimous and loving, despite the racism, keris wielding and discriminatory policies.

If the future leader is bollocks then the future of this country is also bollocks.

The education system in this country from top to bottom is going from bad to worst, we are producing robots, incompetent, hapless, crony and brainwashed leaders.

Going by that, the track record of the Umno government is nothing less than embarrassing and shameful.

While the rich and famous in the Umno coalition is feasting off the richness of the land christened Malaysia, thousands more are languishing in poverty, sickness and adverse social circumstances.

I care for my fellow citizens regardless of race and religion and there is nothing more I wish to see that for them to be able to lead a decent life through diligence and honesty. But such values are of no worth in a corrupted and racist system like the Umno government's.

The current debate is not about race, religion or political ideology. It's about good values or rather, the lack of them in the current Umno politicians.

One must not mistake hatred against racism with hatred against race. The former is admirable, and the latter deplorable.

From the comments of you malay, I can conclude that he is either delirious and confused or he is simply a typical Umno politician - colored-vision, conceited and paranoid.

Your comments clearly show your insecurity as well as your inferiority complex. Unfortunately, your comments suggest that your views represent all the malays.

It also shows that you, as representing the malays, concede that you are not prepared and will never be prepared, even in the future, to meet with competition. You suggest that you need to be wrapped in cotton wool for all time.

You may be the ketuanan of Malaysia but what kind of Malaysia will that be by then if you continue with your tunnel vision and refuse to meet and compete with the rest of the world.

The world does not owe you a favour and will not wait for you. A big problem is that you expect the world and everyone to owe you a living. Get real the world owes you nothing!

You will be in a very small country and a small world of your own. You may be the ketuanan of such a country which may be weaker than a banana republic in time.

Under those circumstance, it may not be important whether you are the ketuanan of such a country which is not third rate but fourth rate, and which may be open to be taken by a stronger force. By then you will be too weak and friendless to defend yourself.

Please don't think that Malaysia belongs to one particular race, you are insulting yourself, and your race, don't ever forget that some key leaders in top government are with mixed blood, not pure malays……….please know your mission as a Malaysian, to live united with the other races and fight independently with the globalised world.

Don't be narrow-minded anymore, do correct thing to make things right.

The "bumiputera" stole the land from Orang Asli. By right all of Malaysia should belong to them. If recall history as the current generation of malays came over from Sumatra, Jawa, and the island around.

If your thinking remains the same - please go back to Indonesia where you can proudly call yourself bumis there.